Though fleece-lined leggings look cute, what’s happening underneath isn’t so cute. Fleece-lined leggings are extra toasty, trapping heat to help keep you cozy on cold days. But in doing so, these leggings are also likely to trap sweat. Research shows that synthetic and tight clothes, such as leggings, combined with sweat make it easy for bacteria to thrive. Then, you may find yourself with an uncomfortable yeast infection. Not only that, but this sweat and bacteria can also lead to skin issues. Verywell Health notes that butt acne and skin inflammation is commonly caused by tight bottoms made of moisture-trapping fabrics.
If your fleece-lined leggings are working well to keep you warm and protected from the elements, just know that they could be contributing to some health issues underneath too. The best way to protect yourself from infections and skin irritation is to wash your leggings regularly and rotate through bottoms (rather than sticking to just one pair of leggings all week). And unless your leggings have a sweat-absorbing liner, it’s best to wear underwear to protect against infections (per Well+Good). That way, you stay both healthy and cozy even on the coldest days.
